Albany, NY – In response to Governor Cuomo’s decision to amend his proposed state budget to include funding that would cover the costs of early voting, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) issued the following statement:

“This announcement marks a step forward in securing voting reforms that allow for greater participation and representation. For quite some time, lawmakers, advocates, and New Yorkers across the state have acknowledged the benefits that would come from implementing an early voting period. From encouraging civic participation to ensuring working families and students have time to make it to the polls, early voting would go a long way in boosting our state’s turnout on Election Day.

Our democracy is at its strongest when all citizens have a voice and a vote. I commend the Governor for prioritizing this issue and look forward to working with my colleagues as we navigate the next few weeks of budget negotiations.”

Governor Cuomo announced that he would amend his budget proposal to include $7 million for counties to cover the costs of early voting. As part of his proposal, county board of elections would determine specific locations that would be open for a period of 12 days before the election. Additionally, counties would be required to have one early voting poll site for every 50,000 residents. Rozic is the sponsor of legislation (A9528/S7212) that would eliminate voting barriers by establishing an early voting period within 14 days for primary and general elections.